During the 18th century it was a continuation of previous trends.

During the 18th century it was a continuation of previous trends. These trends include the rise of constitutionalism which posited that men are governed by laws not by divine of authority which competed with theory and practice of absolutism. These theories of government combined with the enlightenment which gave a priority to reason rather than faith in human affairs with writings on the natural rights of man led to challenges to established authority. Ultimately it led to various revolutions between 1775 and the 1850 's. 

1. Compare and contrast the American Revolution and French Revolution as to causes and results. Include the influence of these revolutions on Latin America and the Caribbean in the early 19th century